It's common for various parts of the body to droop with age, and the philtrum (the area between the nose and lips) is no exception. When the philtrum elongates, the vermillion or pink part of the lips fades, and the upper teeth are less visible when you smile.Â
If you're frustrated by these changes, an upper lip lift could be a good solution. Dr. Jayesh Panchal performs this facial procedure at Genesis Plastic Surgery & Medical Spa and is known for his precise, compassionate approach. With decades of experience and recognition as a "Super Doctor," he provides unmatched care and helps patients transform their look. Â
What Is an Upper Lip Lift?
Upper lip lift surgery is a procedure in which the skin over the upper lip is removed to evert, or flip, the lip, creating a more youthful appearance. The procedure can correct:
- A drooping or elongated upper lip
- Limited vermillion visibility
- Limited upper teeth visibility when you smile
Upper Lip Lift Candidates
The best candidates for an upper lip lift:
- Are over the age of 35
- Have an increased upper lip height of over 20 mm
- Have a very thin vermillion
To be a good candidate for an upper lip lift, you will need to be:
- A nonsmoker
- In generally good health
- Able to take adequate time off to recover
- Willing to follow all pre- and postoperative instructions
During your initial consultation, Dr. Panchal will discuss your candidacy in more detail and help you decide if this procedure is right for you.
Planning for Your Surgery
During your initial consultation, we will review your complete medical history. Let Dr. Panchal know if you have any allergies, if you are taking vitamins or medications, and if you smoke.
The consultation is also a time for you to discuss your goals with Dr. Panchal. He will explain his technique, describe your options, and answer any questions you might have. He'll also provide a detailed quote of the estimated costs, including surgeon's fees and facility fees.
What Happens During the Upper Lift Procedure?
Upper lip lift surgery is completed under local anesthesia at one of our Oklahoma City area offices.
The upper lip lift requires an incision under the nostrils. The incision height is determined by the extent of the skin resection. Once the skin is removed, the edges are approximated and closed in multiple layers. The final layer is closed under the skin, so that the stitches will dissolve.
After Your Surgery
After your surgery, your lip may be swollen and bruised. Applying ice and sleeping upright will help keep the swelling down.
When an upper lip lift surgery is performed by an experienced plastic surgeon like Dr. Panchal, complications are infrequent and usually minor. You may notice some asymmetry or residual swelling or feel the sutures over the outside of the skin for a few weeks to a month.
Getting Back to Normal
Most people can resume work within 7 to 10 days after undergoing upper lift surgery. Due to residual swelling, you may have difficulties eating for a week or so.
While work and some routine activities can be performed after ten days, it may be six or more weeks before you are allowed to perform more strenuous exercises. Make sure you wait until you have Dr. Panchal's go-ahead to begin more demanding activities. During this time, you are encouraged to walk briskly or use a stationary bike to prevent weight gain and other health problems associated with inactivity.
To schedule your upper lip surgery consultation with Dr. Panchal, please call 405-340-9949. Genesis Plastic Surgery & Medical Spa welcomes patients from Oklahoma City and all nearby areas.
Why Choose Genesis Plastic Surgery & Medical Spa for an Upper Lip Lift in Norman & Edmond, OK?
Genesis Plastic Surgery & Medical Spa is a trusted choice for an upper lip lift in Norman and Edmond because patients receive care from a surgeon with a long-standing reputation for results and integrity. Dr. Jayesh Panchal has been a plastic surgeon since 1997 and has led at the highest levels, including serving as Chief of Plastic Surgery at the University of Oklahoma. He's nationally recognized for pioneering techniques and has earned numerous awards for compassionate, patient-focused care. Beyond credentials, patients value his gentle approach, discretion, and commitment to truly listening — so every treatment plan feels comfortable, thoughtful, and personal.
FAQs
How Is an Upper Lip Lift Different From a
An upper lip lift is a surgery that shortens the space between the nose and upper lip, creating a more visible pink lip and often improving upper tooth show. A BOTOX "lip flip" is non-surgical and relaxes the upper lip muscle so the lip rolls slightly outward. A lip flip is temporary and subtle, while a lip lift produces a more noticeable, longer-lasting change.
How Much Tooth Show Is Considered Ideal After an Upper Lip Lift?
Ideal tooth show varies by face shape, lip anatomy, and age, but many surgeons aim for a natural amount of upper teeth visibility when the lips are relaxed and during a full smile. In general, a small amount of upper tooth showing at rest can look youthful, while too much may appear unnatural. During your consultation, Dr. Panchal will evaluate your proportions and recommend a goal that fits your features.
Can an Upper Lip Lift Improve Lipstick
An upper lip lift may help some patients who notice fine lines above the lip or lipstick bleeding into vertical wrinkles, especially if the upper lip length has increased with age. By improving lip position and increasing vermillion show, the lips can appear smoother and more defined. However, deeper "smoker's lines" often respond best to combination treatment, such as laser resurfacing, fillers, or skin tightening.
How Long Do Upper Lip Lift Results Last?
Upper lip lift results are generally long-lasting because the procedure surgically removes a small strip of skin and repositions the upper lip. While nothing stops natural aging, most patients can expect their improvement to remain for many years. Factors like skin quality, genetics, and sun exposure can influence long-term appearance. A healthy lifestyle and careful adherence to postoperative instructions can help you achieve the best-looking results over time.
Schedule a Consultation Today
To schedule a consultation for upper lip surgery with Dr. Panchal, please call 405-340-9949 (Edmond) or 405-310-6767 (Norman). Genesis Plastic Surgery & Medical Spa welcomes patients from Oklahoma City and all nearby areas.